The most celebrated national hockey star Jumman Lusai who has been kept under life-support at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), finally passed away at 3.45 pm this afternoon at the age of 59.
He was admitted in the hospital on Friday after suffering brain hemorrhage.
His death was confirmed by his younger brother Jubel Lusai to the waiting journalists. A pall of gloom spread around the stadium after hearing the shock demise of Jumman. His brother further informed that his body would be taken to Sylhet tomorrow (Monday) for the last rites.
Bangladesh Hockey Federation, Abahani Limited, Mohammedan Sporting Club, Usha Krira Chakra, Mariners Youngs club and other clubs and different sports bodies and personalities expressed deep shock on his death.
Jumman, who hailed from Sylhet, had been suffering from pneumonia and high blood pressure. He became ill while taking rest at his beloved club Abahani Limited club on Friday afternoon, complaining that he was not feeling well and vomited. Thing got worse as he started having eye-sight problem, club officials took him to nearby Bangladesh Medical College Hospital.
The physicians after doing some necessary tests sent him to ICU as his condition did not improve. The club authorities shifted him to BSMMU on Saturday afternoon and admitted to ICU.
Lusai has the distinction of being only Bangladeshi hockey player to be selected for World Hockey Eleven in the 1980s.
The former full back Jumman, began his first division hockey career with Bangladesh Police in 1978. He then migrated to Abahani Limited in 1979 and stayed with them till his retirement in 1993. He remained involved with Abahani as coach-cum-manager of the team for several years.
The legendary hockey star earned his national colour in 1982 when he took part in the IX Asian Games in New Delhi till his retirement in international hockey in 1979.
He earned the distinction of scoring the first international hat-trick for Bangladesh against Iran in the 2nd Asian Cup Hockey in Dhaka in 1986. Bangladesh won the match by 3-0 with his three goals.
